Controlling multi-mode devices

ABSTRACT

In an example embodiment, a technique for automatically controlling radio interfaces of a multi-mode device. Wireless interfaces are enabled or disabled based on the probability of network availability of the interfaces at a current geographical location.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices with multiplewireless interfaces.

BACKGROUND

Multi-mode devices have multiple radio interfaces. For example, a devicemay have both a cellular and a WiFi interface. The device mayperiodically poll each network to determine availability. If the deviceis in an area where there is no coverage for a particular radiotechnology, polling or attempting to connect to the networkcorresponding to the particular radio technology wastes battery power.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of thespecification illustrate the example embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example multi-mode device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a network employing a centralauthority device for controlling the operation of a multi-mode device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a computer system for implementing anexample embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a methodology for controllingwireless interfaces of a multi-mode device by an infrastructure device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operation for amulti-mode device to selectively enable and disable wireless interfaces.

OVERVIEW OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following presents a simplified overview of the example embodimentsin order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the exampleembodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the exampleembodiments. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elementsof the example embodiments nor delineate the scope of the appendedclaims. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the exampleembodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later.

Disclosed in an example embodiment herein is a technique forautomatically controlling radio interfaces of a multi-mode device.Wireless interfaces are enabled or disabled based on the probability ofnetwork availability of the interfaces at a current geographicallocation.

In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein anapparatus comprising a communication interface configured to receivelocation data for a wireless multi-mode device having a first wirelessinterface and a second wireless interface. The apparatus furthercomprises logic in communication with the communication interface andconfigured to send and receive data via the communication interface. Thelogic is configured to continuously receive data representative of alocation of the wireless multi-mode device via the communicationinterface. The logic is configured to determine whether the wirelessmulti-mode device is able to connect to a network using the secondwireless interface based on the data representative of a location. Thelogic is configured to send a signal via the communication interface tothe wireless multi-mode device to enable the second wireless interfaceresponsive to determining the second wireless interface is able toconnect to a network.

In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein amethod comprising establishing communication with a wireless multi-modedevice having a first wireless interface and a second wireless interfacevia the first wireless interface. The location of the wirelessmulti-mode device is continuously determined. The probability of whetherthe second wireless interface will be able to connect to a network basedis determined based on the location of the multi-mode device. The secondwireless interface may be using the same protocol as the first wirelessinterface, or the second wireless interface may be using a differentprotocol than the first wireless interface. Control information is sentto the wireless multi-mode device via the first wireless interface toinform the wireless multi-mode device to use the second wirelessinterface for communication.

In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein anapparatus comprising a first wireless interface configured tocommunicate using a first protocol, a second wireless interfaceconfigured to communicate using a second protocol, and logic coupled tothe first wireless interface and the second wireless interface operativeto control the operation of the first wireless interface and the secondwireless interface. The logic is operable to determine coordinates for acurrent location. The logic is further operable to send a signal via thefirst interface containing data representative of the coordinates forthe current location. The logic is operable to connect to a network viathe second interface responsive to receiving a signal on the firstwireless interface comprising data indicating a network connection isavailable on the second wireless interface.

In accordance with an example embodiment, there is disclosed herein amethod comprising establishing communication with a network via a firstwireless communication interface and establishing communication with asecond network via a second wireless communication interface. A signalis received on one of a group consisting of the first wireless interfaceand the second wireless interface to discontinue using the secondwireless communication interface. Use of the second wireless interfaceis discontinued responsive to the signal. Data is received via anassociated user interface to switch on the second wireless interfaceafter use of the second wireless interface was discontinued. The secondwireless interface is activated responsive to the data received via theassociated user interface.

Description of Example Embodiments

This description provides examples not intended to limit the scope ofthe appended claims. The figures generally indicate the features of theexamples, where it is understood and appreciated that like referencenumerals are used to refer to like elements. Reference in thespecification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “an exampleembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment described herein. The appearances of thephrase “in one embodiment” or “in one or more embodiments” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutuallyexclusive of other embodiments. Features and aspects of variousembodiments may be integrated into other embodiments, and embodimentsillustrated in this document may be implemented without all of thefeatures or aspects illustrated or described.

In an example embodiment, described herein is a multi-mode device thathas multiple wireless (e.g. radio) interfaces corresponding to multiplenetwork infrastructures. The multiple radio devices acquire networkservices from the corresponding network infrastructures. In particularembodiments, a central authority communicates with the multi-mode devicefor controlling the multi-mode device's radio interface.

In operation, the multi-mode device is connected to a networkinfrastructure over a particular interface. The location of themulti-mode device is determined. The location may be determined by themulti-mode device or by the network infrastructure using any suitabletechnique such as GPS (Global Positioning System), TDOA (Time differenceof arrival) or triangulation. The location is communicated to a deviceon the network infrastructure (referred to herein as a “centralauthority”) that calculates the probability of availability of varioustypes of interfaces at the location of the multi-mode device. Thecentral authority communicates control information to the multi-modedevice that enables the interfaces that are likely to work and disablethe interfaces that are not likely to work.

In an example embodiment, a user of the multi-mode device may be able tooverride the central control. For example, even though the user is in aremote area the user may enable WiFi because the user is at a WiFihotspot such as a gas station or restaurant.

In an example embodiment, the central authority may be accessible on aparticular network interface with wide area coverage such as a cellularnetwork. In another example embodiment, the central authority isavailable through several network interfaces and infrastructures, suchas being located on the Internet. The central authority may calculateprobability based on configured information such as population density,geo-political information, and known hot spot locations. In an exampleembodiment, control information may also control other characteristicsof the radio interface such as frequencies used to match localpreferences and regulations.

For example a user of a dual mode phone enters a rural area where WiFicoverage is unlikely. The phone's location is determined andcommunicated to the central authority which disables the WiFi interface.When the device moves to a more urban environment, the WiFi interface isenabled again. This prevents the device from polling constantly for WiFiwhere it is not likely to be available.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example multi-mode device 100.Multi-mode device 100 comprises a first wireless interface 102 and asecond wireless interface 104. First wireless interface 102 suitablycomprises a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive signalsusing a first protocol. Second wireless interface 104 suitably comprisesa wireless transceiver configured to send and receive signals using asecond protocol. For example, first wireless interface 102 can be acellular communication interface, and second wireless interface 104 maysuitably be an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)802.11 compatible interface, such as a WiFi. The example illustrated inFIG. 1 has two wireless interfaces; however, this should not beconstrued to limiting the principles described herein to multi-modedevices with two interfaces as two interfaces are used merely for easeof illustration and those skilled in the art should readily appreciatethat multi-mode device 100 may suitably comprise any physicallyrealizable number of wireless interfaces.

Multi-mode device 100 further comprises control logic 106. “Logic,” asused herein, includes but is not limited to hardware, firmware,software, and/or combinations of each to perform a function(s) or anaction(s) and/or to cause a function or action from another component.For example, based on a desired application or need, logic may include asoftware controlled microprocessor, discrete logic such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), aprogrammable/programmed logic device, memory device containinginstructions or the like, or combinational logic embodied in hardware.Logic may also be fully embodied as software. Control logic 106 is incommunication with first wireless interface 102 and second wirelessinterface 104. Control logic 106 is configured to control the operationof first wireless interface 102 and second wireless interface 104. Forexample, control logic 106 may switch off the power to either firstinterface 102 and/or second wireless device 104 based on pre-definedcriteria. For example, if first wireless interface 102 uses more powerthan second wireless interface 104, control logic 106 may be configuredto use second wireless interface 104 when available and, in someembodiments, switch off the power to first wireless interface 102 whilecommunicating using second wireless interface 104.

In an example embodiment, control logic 106 is responsive to signalsreceived either on first wireless interface 102 and/or second wirelessinterface 104 to activate or deactivate one of first wireless interface102 and/or second wireless interface 104. For example, control logic 106may receive a signal on first wireless interface 102 to activate secondwireless interface 104. As another example, control logic 106 mayreceive a signal on first wireless interface 102 to deactivate secondwireless interface 104. Optionally, control logic 106 may close anyactivate network connections associated with second wireless interface104 before deactivating second wireless interface 104. Similarly,control logic 106 may receive a signal on second wireless interface 104to activate or deactivate first wireless interface 102. Deactivating awireless interface may suitably be one of turning off power to thewireless interface or switching the wireless interface into a lowerpower (e.g. sleep mode or power save) state.

In an example embodiment, multi-mode device 100 comprises a userinterface 108. User interface 108 is coupled to control logic 106. Userinterface 108 can be employed to receive data to override a particularsetting. User interface 108 may suitably comprise a button, keypad,touch screen, or other device capable of receiving data from anassociated user. For example, even though control logic 106 has receiveddata and/or instructions to shut off second wireless interface 104, userinterface 108 can receive data and/or instructions to power on secondwireless interface 104.

In an example embodiment, control logic 106 is configured to determinethe current location (coordinates) of apparatus 100. For example,control logic 106 may receive GPS signals on one of first wirelessinterface 102 and/or second wireless interface 104.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a network 200 employing a device208 (referred to herein as a “Central Authority”) for controlling theoperation of a multi-mode device 202. Multi-mode device 202 can beconfigured to operate like multi-mode device 100 described in FIG. 1supra. A first access point (AP) 204 is coupled to network 206. AP 204is configured to use a first wireless protocol for communicating withwireless devices, such as multi-mode device 202. Central Authority 208is coupled to network 206 and provides data and/or instructions tomulti-mode device 202, enabling multi-mode device 202 to determine whichinterfaces are available to multi-mode device 202 at its currentlocation. AP 210 is coupled to network 206 and is configured to use asecond wireless protocol. In the illustrated example, AP 210 is coupledto the same network as AP 204; in particular embodiments, APs 204, 210may be on different networks coupled to a common network, such as theinternet, or different subnets on the same network. AP 214 is coupled tonetwork 212, which is isolated from network 206, although in someembodiments networks 206, 212 may be coupled by a router, bridge, orother suitable devices.

In operation, multi-mode device 202 suitably comprises a plurality ofwireless interfaces corresponding to a plurality of different networkinfrastructures and/or protocols. For example, multi-mode device 202 maycomprise three wireless interfaces, the first suitable for communicatingwith AP 204, the second suitable for communicating with AP 210, and thethird suitable for communicating with AP 214. Central Authority 208receives signals from APs 204, 210 on network 206 indicating the currentlocation of multi-mode device 202.

In an example embodiment, multi-mode device 202 determines its ownlocation and provides location data to the currently associated AP, suchas AP 204. For example, multi-mode device 202 can be configured with GPSlogic.

In another example embodiment, Central Authority 208 comprises logic fordetermining the location of multi-mode device 202. For example, CentralAuthority 208 may receive Angle of Arrival (AOA), Received SignalStrength Indication (RSSI), triangulation or other data from one or moreof APs 204, 210 and other APs (not shown, and possibly AP 214 ifnetworks 206, 212 are in communication with each other) that enableCentral Authority 208 to determine the coordinates corresponding to thecurrent location of multi-mode device 202.

In another example embodiment, Central Authority 208 is in communicationwith a location server. Central Authority 208 may communicate with thelocation server periodically or on demand. For example, location server216 can determine multi-mode device 202's current location. When CentralAuthority 208 wants to know multi-mode device 202's current location, aninquiry is sent to location server 216. Central authority 208 determinesthe probability of availability for multi-mode device 202 based onlocation data received from location server 216.

In an example embodiment, Central Authority 208 may continuouslydetermine multi-mode device 202's current location. As used herein,continuously doesn't necessarily mean that the location is constantlycomputed but may mean that the current location is computed atpredetermined intervals, such as once per second or once per fivehundred milliseconds. In some embodiments, the interval for computingthe current location may be variable. In an example embodiment, CentralAuthority 208 determines the velocity of multi-mode device 202 iscomputed as well as the coordinates of the current location, which canbe a factor for the interval for determining the current location ofmulti-mode device 202. For example, if multi-mode device 202 is notmoving, the interval may be set to a greater interval (for example fiveseconds) than the interval for when the device is moving (for exampleone second).

Central Authority 208 determines from multi-mode device 202's currentlocation which wireless interfaces can be used at the current location.Central authority 208 may calculate the probability for the wirelessinterfaces based on configured information such as population density,geo-political information, and/or known hot spot locations (or locationswhere a particular interface is available). Central Authority 208 can beconfigured to determine available wireless interfaces for networkscoupled to the same network, such as network 206, as central authority206, and to other networks that may or may not be coupled to the samenetwork, such as network 212, as Central Authority 208. For example,based on the current location, Central Authority 208 can determinewhether multi-mode device can operate on a cellular network, an 802.11(including WiFi) network, an 802.16 (including WiMAX) network, and/or aBluetooth compatible network. Multi-mode device 202 would then power onthe appropriate wireless interfaces and associate with the appropriateAP; for example, one of APs 204, 210, 214. Moreover, Central Authority208 can select which wireless interface multi-mode device 208 should beused, even if more than one interface is available.

Central Authority 208 sends data to multi-mode device 202 forcontrolling the operation of multi-mode device 202. For example, CentralAuthority 208 may send data indicating which network interfaces areavailable and/or unavailable. In an example embodiment, CentralAuthority 208 the data includes commands that instruct multi-mode device202 which interface (or interfaces) to use. In an alternativeembodiment, Central Authority 208 also sends control information tomobile device 202 that includes additional communication parameters suchas which operating frequency to use to match local preferences andregulations.

In the embodiment illustrating in FIG. 2, Central Authority 208 isavailable via the first interface serviced by AP 204 and the secondinterface serviced by AP 210; however, Central Authority 208 is notavailable to the third interface serviced by AP 214. This illustrates anexample where Central Authority 208 can enable/disable an interface onmulti-mode device 202 even though Central Authority 208 is not coupledto the interface.

There are several possibilities for how multi-mode device 202 mayoperate while coupled to third interface (e.g. the interface serviced byAP 210) if networks 206 and 212 are not linked. For example, multi-modedevice may leave one of first or second wireless interfaces on inreceive mode while sending and receiving data via AP 214. If CentralAuthority 208 determines that multi-mode device 202 is moving away anarea serviced by AP 214, Central Authority 208 can signal multi-modedevice 202 via the first or second wireless interface to change toanother interface and/or deactivate the third interface. In anotherexample embodiment, multi-mode device 202 may deactivate the first andsecond wireless interfaces while in communication with AP 214, andactivate one of first and second wireless interfaces responsive tolosing communication with AP 214.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 300 uponwhich an example embodiment may be implemented. Computer system 300 issuitable for implementing control logic 106 of multi-mode device 100(FIG. 1), control logic for controlling the operation of multi-modedevice 202 (FIG. 2), and/or for implementing the logic for CentralAuthority 208 (FIG. 2).

Computer system 300 includes a bus 302 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information and a processor 304 coupled with bus 302for processing information. Computer system 300 also includes a mainmemory 306, such as random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storagedevice coupled to bus 302 for storing information and instructions to beexecuted by processor 304. Main memory 306 also may be used for storingtemporary variable or other intermediate information during execution ofinstructions to be executed by processor 304. Computer system 300further includes a read only memory (ROM) 308 or other static storagedevice coupled to bus 302 for storing static information andinstructions for processor 304. A storage device 310, such as a magneticdisk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus 302 for storinginformation and instructions.

An aspect of the example embodiment is related to the use of computersystem 300 for controlling multi-mode devices. According to an exampleembodiment, controlling multi-mode devices is provided by computersystem 300 in response to processor 304 executing one or more sequencesof one or more instructions contained in main memory 306. Suchinstructions may be read into main memory 306 from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as storage device 310. Execution of thesequence of instructions contained in main memory 306 causes processor304 to perform the process steps described herein. One or moreprocessors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed toexecute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory 306. Inalternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of orin combination with software instructions to implement an exampleembodiment. Thus, embodiments described herein are not limited to anyspecific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to processor 304 forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks suchas storage device 310. Volatile media include dynamic memory such asmain memory 306. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire,and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 302.Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light wavessuch as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR)data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,for example, floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic cards,paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, aPROM, an EPROM, a FLASHPROM, CD, DVD or any other memory chip orcartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequences of one or more instructions to processor 304 forexecution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne on amagnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 300 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitterto convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupledto bus 302 can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and placethe data on bus 302. Bus 302 carries the data to main memory 306 fromwhich processor 304 retrieves and executes the instructions. Theinstructions received by main memory 306 may optionally be stored onstorage device 310 either before or after execution by processor 304.

Computer system 300 also includes a communication interface 318 coupledto bus 302. Communication interface 318 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling computer system 300 to a network link 320 that isconnected to a local network 322. For example, communication interface318 may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a datacommunication connection to a compatible LAN. As another example,communication interface 318 may be an integrated services digitalnetwork (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communicationconnection to a corresponding type of telephone line. Wireless links mayalso be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface318 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signalsthat carry digital data streams representing various types ofinformation. For example, for implementing a multi-mode device such asmulti-mode device 100 (FIG. 1), communication interface 318 is awireless interface and suitably comprises a plurality of wirelessinterfaces. For implementing a Central Authority 208 (FIG. 2),communication interface would be the appropriate device forcommunicating with the network infrastructure.

Network link 320 typically provides data communication through one ormore networks to other data devices. For example, network link 320 mayprovide a connection through local network 322 to data equipmentoperated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 326. ISP 326 in turnprovides data communications through the worldwide packet datacommunication network, now commonly referred to as the “Internet” 328.

Computer system 300 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram codes, through the network(s), network link 320, andcommunication interface 318. In the Internet example, a server 330 mighttransmit a requested code for an application program through Internet328, ISP 326, local network 322, and communication interface 318. Inaccordance with an example embodiment, one such downloaded applicationprovides for controlling multi-mode devices as described herein.

In view of the foregoing structural and functional features describedabove, methodologies in accordance with example embodiments will bebetter appreciated with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. While for purposesof simplicity of explanation the methodologies of FIGS. 4 and 5 areshown and described as executing serially, it is to be understood andappreciated that the example embodiments are not limited by theillustrated order, as some aspects could occur in different ordersand/or concurrently with other aspects from that shown and describedherein. Moreover, not all illustrated features may be required toimplement a methodology in accordance with an aspect the exampleembodiment. The methodologies described herein are suitably adapted tobe implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a methodology 400 for controllingwireless interfaces of a multi-mode device by an infrastructure devicesuch as a Central Authority described herein supra. Methodology 400 canbe used for informing multi-mode device which interfaces it cancurrently use for communication, based on its current location enablingthe multi-mode device to activate and/or deactivate one or more wirelessinterfaces. In an example embodiment, methodology 400 is implemented bya dedicated device (such as a Central Authority) on a network. Inanother example embodiment, methodology 400 is implemented by aplurality of devices, such as APs, switches, wireless domain controllers(WDCs), or other suitable devices on a network.

At 402, communications are established with the multi-mode device. Thecommunication may be established on any interface. In an exampleembodiment, communications may be moved from one interface to anotherwhen appropriate. For example, communications may be established with acellular interface of a multi-mode device. If communications becomesavailable on another interface, such as a WiFi or Bluetooth interface,then communications can be moved to that interface.

At 404, the current location or coordinates of the current location ofthe multi-mode device are determined. The current location may beacquired via any suitable means. For example, the multi-mode device mayuse GPS to determine its location, or infrastructure nodes on thenetwork may employ RSSI, AOA, triangulation, or any other technique forcalculating the current location. The location may be continuouslycomputed, where continuously computed, as described herein supra, maymean the location is determined at predetermined intervals.

At 406, the probable availability for each interface is computed. Forexample, if the multi-mode device comprises a cellular interface it islikely that the interface will always be available, whereas WiFi and/orBluetooth interfaces may not be available in many locations. Indetermining the probable availability, factors such as populationdensity, geo-political data, and/or known hot spot locations can beconsidered.

At 408, data is sent to the multi-mode device indicating which wirelessinterfaces are available and/or which wireless interfaces areunavailable. The data may further comprise commands for instructing themulti-mode device to activate and/or deactivate one or more interfaces.

One or more of steps 402, 404, 406, 408 may be repeated frequently. Forexample, step 402 may be repeated when a currently active (first)interface is being deactivated and communication is being moved to asecond interface, such as when switching from a cellular network to an802.11 compatible network. Steps 404, 406 may be continuously repeated(e.g. repeated at predefined intervals). Step 408 may be repeated alongwith steps 404 and/or 406, or may be implemented when changes to theconfiguration of the multi-mode device are being implemented.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a method of operation 500 for amulti-mode device to selectively enable and disable wireless interfaces.Methodology 500 may be implemented by multi-mode device 100 (FIG. 1) ormulti-mode device 202 (FIG. 2) described herein supra.

At 502, the multi-mode device establishes communication with a networkvia a first wireless interface. In an example embodiment the firstnetwork is a default network. In another embodiment, the multi-modedevice attempts to connect to one or more networks using its first,second, and any other available interface until successful. In yetanother embodiment, multi-mode device 202 searches for availablenetworks and selects a network based on a predetermined criteria such ashighest throughput, lowest power connection, best signal quality, lowestlink cost, etc. At 504, the multi-mode device establishes communicationwith a second network via a second wireless interface. In an exampleembodiment, communication is automatically established by the multi-modedevice when the second network is detected, for example when the secondwireless interface detects a Bluetooth or WiMAX connection. In anotherexample embodiment, communication with the second network is initiatedbased on data received on the first interface indicating thatcommunication on the second network may be possible.

At 506, the multi-mode device receives a signal to discontinue using thesecond interface. This signal may be received on either the first and/orsecond interface. For example, a device on the network may signal themulti-mode device to discontinue using the second network responsive todetermining the multi-mode device is moving away from the second networkor because a signal parameter such as throughput, RSSI, etc. indicatesthe signal quality is deteriorating beyond an acceptable threshold.

At 508, the multi-mode device discontinues using the second wirelessinterface responsive to the signal to discontinue using the secondwireless interface. Optionally, power to the second wireless interfacemay be switched off, or the second wireless interface may be changed toa power save state.

At 510, the second wireless interface is activated responsive to asignal received on a user interface. This enables a user of the deviceto override the automatic detection settings for the multi-mode device.For example, multi-mode device may be equipped with a user interface,such as a switch, button, touch screen which may suitably comprise adisplay, allowing a user to activate the second interface. For example,if the second wireless interface is an 802.11 compatible interface, theuser may activate the second is in a remote area where an 802.11connection is not likely, if the user enters an area that is a possible802.11/WiFi hot spot such as a gas station, restaurant, etc.

Described above are example embodiments. It is, of course, not possibleto describe every conceivable combination of components ormethodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatmany further combinations and permutations of the example embodimentsare possible. Accordingly, this application is intended to embrace allsuch alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within thespirit and scope of the appended claims interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a communication interface configured toreceive location data for a wireless multi-mode device having a firstwireless interface and a second wireless interface; and logic incommunication with the communication interface and configured to sendand receive data via the communication interface; wherein the logic isconfigured to continuously receive data representative of a location ofthe wireless multi-mode device via the communication interface; whereinthe logic is configured to determine whether the wireless multi-modedevice is able to connect to a network using the second wirelessinterface based on the data representative of a location; and whereinthe logic is configured to send a signal via the communication interfaceto the wireless multi-mode device to enable the second wirelessinterface responsive to determining the second wireless interface isable to connect to a network.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the logic is further configured to send a signal via thecommunication interface to the wireless multi-mode device to disable thesecond wireless interface responsive to determining the second wirelessdevice is unable to connect to a network based on a current location ofthe associated wireless multi-mode device.
 3. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the location data for the wireless multi-mode deviceincludes current coordinates for the wireless multi-mode device.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the logic computes coordinatesfor current location of the wireless multi-mode devices based on thelocation data received for the wireless multi-mode device.
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 4, wherein the location data comprisesangle of arrival data received from at least one access point incommunication with the communication interface.
 6. The apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the location data comprises receivedsignal strength indication data received from at least one access pointin communication with the communication interface.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 4, wherein the location data comprises triangulationdata received from at least one access point in communication with thecommunication interface.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe logic is configured to determine whether the wireless multi-modedevice is able to connect to a network using the second wirelessinterface based on a population density of the location.
 9. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the logic is configured todetermine whether the wireless multi-mode device is able to connect to anetwork using the second wireless interface based on geo-political datafor the location.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thelogic is configured to determine whether the wireless multi-mode deviceis able to connect to a network using the second wireless interfacebased on known locations that support the wireless second interface. 11.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal to the wirelessmulti-mode device to enable the second wireless interface furthercomprises data representative of an operating frequency for the secondwireless interface.
 12. A method, comprising: establishing communicationwith a wireless multi-mode device having a first wireless interface anda second wireless interface via the first wireless interface;continuously determining a location of the wireless multi-mode device;determining a probability of whether the second wireless interface willbe able to connect to a network based on the location of the multi-modedevice; and sending control information to the wireless multi-modedevice via the first wireless interface to inform the wirelessmulti-mode device to use the second wireless interface forcommunication.
 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:determining a probability of whether the second wireless interface willbe able to connect to a network based on a second location of thewireless multi-mode device; and sending control information to thewireless multi-mode device via the first wireless interface to informthe wireless multi-mode device to discontinue using the second wirelessinterface for communication responsive to determining the secondinterface will be unable to connect to a network.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 12, further comprising: determining a probability ofwhether the second wireless interface will be able to connect to anetwork based on a second location of the wireless multi-mode device;and sending control information to the multi-mode device via the secondwireless interface to inform the wireless multi-mode device todiscontinue using the second wireless interface for communicationresponsive to determining the second interface is moving into an areawhere the second wireless interface will be unable to connect to anetwork.
 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein determining acurrent location for the wireless multi-mode device based on signal datareceived from at least one network node communicating with the wirelessmulti-mode device.
 16. The method according to claim 12, whereindetermining a current location for the wireless multi-mode device basedon coordinates received from the wireless multi-mode device.
 17. Anapparatus, comprising: a first wireless interface configured tocommunicate using a first protocol; a second wireless interfaceconfigured to communicate using a second protocol; and logic coupled tothe first wireless interface and the second wireless interface operativeto control the operation of the first wireless interface and the secondwireless interface; wherein the logic is operable to determinecoordinates for a current location; wherein the logic is operable tosend a signal via the first interface containing data representative ofthe coordinates for the current location; and wherein the logic isoperable to connect to a network via the second interface responsive toreceiving a signal on the first wireless interface comprising dataindicating a network connection is available on the second wirelessinterface.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising:a user interface operable to receive data indicating whether to operatethe second wireless interface; wherein the logic is operable to turnpower off to the second wireless interface responsive to receiving asignal one of a group consisting of the first wireless interface and thesecond wireless interface comprising data instructing the logic todiscontinue using the second wireless interface; and wherein the logicis operable to turn power on to the second wireless interface responsiveto receiving data via the user interface comprising data instructing thelogic to switch on the second wireless interface.
 19. A method,comprising: establishing communication with a network via a firstwireless communication interface; establishing communication with asecond network via a second wireless communication interface; receivinga signal on one of a group consisting of the first wireless interfaceand the second wireless interface to discontinue using the secondwireless communication interface; discontinuing using the secondwireless interface responsive to the signal; receiving data via anassociated user interface to switch on the second wireless interfaceafter use of the second wireless interface was discontinued; andactivating the second wireless interface responsive to the data receivedvia the associated user interface.
 20. The method according to claim 19,further comprising: determining current coordinates corresponding to acurrent location; and sending the current coordinates to an associatednetwork on one of a group consisting of the first wireless interface andthe second wireless interface.